Date: Fri, 9 Jul 1999 19:35:23 -0400
From: NGLTF
Subject: [NGLTF PRESS] NGLTF calls for investigation into death of Army PFC
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NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TASK FORCE
PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT: David Elliot, Communications Director
delliot@ngltf.org
TEL 202/332-6483 x3303, PAGER 800/757-6476
1700 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20009
http://www.ngltf.org
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NGLTF CALLS FOR FULL INVESTIGATION
INTO BRUTAL DEATH OF ARMY PFC
July 9, 1999--Kerry Lobel, executive director of the National Gay and
Lesbian Task Force, issued the following statement Friday evening in
response to the brutal beating death of PFC Barry Winchell. Winchell, a
21-year-old Private First Class at Fort Campbell, died earlier this week
at a hospital in nearby Nashville, Tenn after allegedly being assaulted
with a baseball bat by at least one of his fellow servicemen.
"We call on the military authorities to fully investigate and disclose
the nature of this terrible tragedy. PFC Winchell pledged to protect and
defend his country. Who was protecting and defending PFC Winchell?
Although not all of the facts surrounding this death are known, it is
important to point out that it occurred in a climate of hostility against
gays and lesbians - a climate fostered by the military's own policies.
`Don't Ask, Don't Tell' doesn't work - in fact, it has made things worse.
"Winchell's death also occurred during an epidemic of hate violence
against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people. Last year, at
least 33 lives were lost as a result of anti-GLBT violence.
"We also call on all branches of the military to take immediate steps to
ensure the safety and well-being of all the men and women serving our
country. The fear of discrimination, harassment, intimidation and even
violence is all too real for many military personnel - whether they are
gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered or whether they are perceived as
such."
The Servicemembers Legal Defense Network has dispatched staff members to
the Fort Campbell area to investigate the circumstances of the incident.
Anyone with relevant information should call 202-669-6279 over the
weekend and 202-328-3244 during working hours or email sldn@sldn.org.
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The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has worked to eliminate
prejudice, violence and injustice against gay, lesbian, bisexual and
transgendered people at the local, state and national level since its
inception in 1973. As part of a broader social justice movement for
freedom, justice and equality, NGLTF is creating a world that respects
and celebrates the diversity of human expression and identity where all
people may fully participate in society.
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